Chapter 988 “Hero Time”

Doyle, ultimately persuaded by Besse, departed after repeatedly urging her to prioritize her well-being, avoid overexertion, and tackle only manageable challenges. He promised a swift return upon concluding his group’s affairs. Besse nodded and saw him off.

Leaving the airport, Besse headed back to her hotel. However, a throng of reporters suddenly converged upon her as she exited. Her eyes narrowed, noting their uncanny knowledge of her movements.

Instantly surrounded, she faced a barrage of questions:

"Miss Besse, what is your response to accusations of plagiarizing Designer Phantom's work?"

"Miss Besse, will Karami remove the Angel series from its shelves?"

"Miss Besse, did you anticipate exposure for copying Phantom's designs?"

The incessant questions overwhelmed Besse. After a long, cold stare at the excited reporters, one pressed again, "Miss Besse, can you please answer our questions?"

"How can I answer when you're all talking nonsense?!" Besse retorted, her irritation palpable.

The reporters fell silent, momentarily taken aback. Besse continued, "Firstly, regarding the plagiarism accusations against my Angel series, I admit similarities exist, but the Angel series is my original design. I am equally puzzled by these similarities…"

"Are you truly puzzled, or merely covering up?" a reporter rudely interrupted.

"I remained in Northfield to investigate this," Besse stated.

"Perhaps it's a threat against Phantom—an unknown designer, unlike yourself," another reporter sneered, implying petty competition.

"If Phantom lacks capability, does that extend to all of Northfield?" Besse retorted. "On my turf, what could I possibly do to bully Phantom?!"

"What are your plans now that you've chosen to stay?" another reporter asked.

"If I'm at fault, I'll apologize and even resign from Karami. But if not, I'll fight for my rights."

"Phantom's work dates back eight years; yours was released recently. What more needs to be said?" the journalist sneered.

"So you've already judged me? What's the point of my saying anything?" Besse countered forcefully.

The journalist was silenced.

"Excuse me!" Besse declared, unwilling to waste more time with the unyielding journalists.

But they blocked her path, continuing their aggressive questioning. "Miss Besse, are you ashamed? This scandal has damaged your reputation."

"Your statement about resigning from Karami—was that voluntary, or were you fired? Are you merely saving face?"

"Karami has suffered significant losses. They can't simply ignore this."

"Are you still in Northfield because Karami no longer wants you…"

Exasperated by their deliberate distortion of facts for sensationalism, Besse demanded, "Move aside!"

"Miss Besse, please answer our questions."

"Is there no law in Northfield?" she snapped. "Can I sue you all for violating my human rights?"

"We only want the truth," a reporter retorted defensively.

"That's for the police. When did it become your job?"

The reporters, unnerved by her intensity, began to waver.

"One last time, move aside!" Her cold gaze and aura instilled a palpable chill. Even seasoned reporters found her boldness unexpected.

The standoff continued, with neither side yielding. The journalists felt a surge of indignation at the perceived arrogance of this foreigner.

After two minutes, with no sign of retreat, Besse reached for her phone to call the police. Just as she was about to act, someone shoved the reporters aside.

Startled, Besse watched as a man in a duckbill cap and mask appeared, taking her hand and pulling her away. The reporters, intimidated by his imposing presence, watched as he escorted her to a black car and sped off.

Inside, Besse shook off Oscar Wells’ hand—she recognized him instantly.

"How am I supposed to handle this? The reporters will twist this to their advantage, Mr. Commander!" she demanded. The incident could easily be misconstrued as her hiring thugs to attack the journalists.

Oscar, noting her barely suppressed fury, removed his hat and mask, perhaps assuming she didn't recognize him, as before.

"Is this because I'm discrediting a designer from your country? Must you be so underhanded?" Besse accused sarcastically, her pent-up anger finally erupting.

"No," Oscar replied.

"What do you mean?"

"I won't let them report anything," Oscar stated, his gaze unwavering, his voice low but firm. "I won't let them report anything."